Lancing device and lancet

ABSTRACT

A lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/138,768, filed Dec. 18, 2008, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to lancets and lancing devices for blood sampling and testing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lancets and lancing devices are utilized for penetrating the skin of a human or animal subject at a lancing site to obtain a sample of blood or other body fluid for medical testing, as in blood-typing or blood-glucose testing. Known lancing devices commonly include a housing containing a drive mechanism, a charging mechanism for energizing the spring or other drive means of the drive mechanism, and a release mechanism for releasing the drive mechanism upon actuation. A lancet is typically propelled by the drive mechanism from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position wherein a sharp tip portion of the lancet projects from the housing to prick the subject's skin at a desired lancing site. A depth-control mechanism can optionally be provided to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet.

The lancet is typically a disposable component that is removably mounted into a receiver or lancet carrier portion of the drive mechanism of a lancing device. A used lancet typically is removed from the lancet carrier after sampling for disposal. An ejection mechanism can optionally be included for discharge of the used lancet from the lancing device. A new, sterile lancet is then replaced into the lancet carrier for further sampling. Lancets typically comprise a sharp metal tip in the form of a needle or blade. The needle or blade is typically embedded in a plastic body that has a size and shape configured for releasable engagement with the receiver or lancet carrier of a lancing device. The sharp tip of the lancet is commonly embedded in a removable plastic cap to maintain sterility and prevent inadvertent sticks prior to use. The endcap may be replaceable onto the lancet after use to re-cover the sharp lancet tip for safety and hygienic purposes.

It is to the provision of improved lancing devices and lancets that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In example embodiments, the present invention provides an improved lancing device, an improved lancet, and a system including a lancing device with a proprietary or device-specific lancet. Example embodiments include an improved depth-adjust mechanism for selectively varying the penetration depth of the lancet, an improved lancet ejector system using a protrusion or surface of the lancet to eject a used lancet from the lancing device, and/or an improved guidance system for guiding the path of travel of the lancet along its lancing stroke.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a lancing device including a housing, a lancet carrier mounted within the housing for movement between a retracted position and a lancing position, and a depth-control mechanism. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted relative to the housing, and a linkage mechanism coupled to the dial and having a stop member for limiting travel of the lancet carrier at the lancing position.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancing system including a lancet and a lancing device for receiving and discharging said lancet. The lancet includes a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a flared flange projecting transversely from the lancet body. The lancing device includes an ejection mechanism having an abutment member for contacting the flared flange of the lancet and ejecting the lancet from the lancing device.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancet including a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a flared flange projecting transversely from the lancet body.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a lancing system including a lancet and a lancing device for receiving and discharging said lancet. The lancet includes a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a recess in the lancet body. The lancing device includes an ejection mechanism having a protrusion for engaging the recess in the lancet body and pushing on the lancet body to eject the lancet from the lancing device.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancet including a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a recess in a side of the lancet body for engagement with an ejector of a lancing device

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancing device including a housing, a lancet carrier mounted within the housing for movement between a retracted position and a lancing position, and a depth-control mechanism. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted relative to the housing, and a linkage coupled to the dial and having a contact face for limiting travel of the lancet carrier at the lancing position.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancing system including a lancet and a lancing device for receiving and discharging the lancet. The lancet includes a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a flared flange projecting transversely from the lancet body. The lancing device includes an ejection mechanism comprising an abutment face or protrusion for contacting the flared flange of the lancet and ejecting the lancet from the lancing device.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a lancing system including a lancet and a lancing device for receiving and discharging the lancet. The lancet includes a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a slot, pocket, or similar cavity in the side of the lancet body. The lancing device includes an ejection mechanism comprising an abutment face (protrusion) for contacting the slot, pocket, or similar cavity in the side of the lancet body and ejecting the lancet from the lancing device.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancing device including an outer housing, a lancet carrier translationally movable within the housing, and an inner guidance housing mounted within the outer housing for constraining the lancet carrier to axial movement along a linear lancing stroke.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a lancet including a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a flared flange projecting transversely from the lancet body.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a lancet includes a lancet body, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a slot, pocket, or similar cavity in the side of the lancet body for interaction with an ejector.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lancing system including a lancing device and a lancet according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the lancing device of FIG. 1, with its outer housing removed to show internal components.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the internal mechanism of the lancing device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a sequence of adjustment of a depth-control mechanism subsystem of the lancing device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a sequence of operation of a lancet-ejection subsystem of the lancing device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a sequence of operation of the lancing device of FIG. 1, in its rest, charging and firing positions, respectively.

FIG. 7 shows a lancet guidance system of the lancing device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C show a sequence of adjustment of a depth-control mechanism subsystem of a lancing device according to another example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lancet according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show a lancet and lancet ejection mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-6 show a lancing system comprising a lancing device 10 and lancet 12 according to example forms of the invention. The lancet 12 is optionally configured in size and shape to be specific or proprietary to the lancing device of the invention, whereby the lancing device and lancet comprise a complementary system. While the lancing device and lancet can take a variety of forms, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 the lancing device comprises a housing 20 formed of upper and lower half-shells 22 a, 22 b, and optionally a removable proximal endcap 24 with a contact face having a lancet opening 26 therein for allowing passage of the sharp lancet tip during lancing.

FIGS. 2-6 show internal components of a lancing device 10 according to a first example embodiment of the invention with the outer housing removed. The lancing device 10 comprises a drive mechanism comprising a lancet carrier 30, a drive spring 40 for propelling the lancet carrier from a retracted position within the housing to an extended or lancing position with the sharp lancet tip projecting out of the housing, and a return spring 42 for returning the lancet carrier to a neutral position within the housing after use. The lancing device further comprises a charging mechanism for retracting the lancet carrier from the neutral position to the retracted position and compressing the drive spring; and an activation mechanism for releasing the lancet carrier from the retracted position to traverse the lancing stroke from the retracted position, through the lancing position, and back to the neutral position. The lancing device optionally further comprises one or more of a depth-control mechanism, an ejector mechanism, and/or a guidance mechanism, and/or any combination thereof. These mechanisms or subsystems will be described in greater detail below.

Depth-Control Mechanism

The depth of puncture provided by the lancing device may be adjusted so that the lancing process generates a sample of the necessary amount of blood for a successful blood glucose reading or other procedure while reducing, minimizing or eliminating undue pain to the subject. FIGS. 2-6 show a first example embodiment of a depth-control mechanism according to the present invention. The depth-control mechanism comprises a depth-adjust dial 60 having a manipulation surface that the patient rotates to easily change the depth of puncture. In example forms, the dial rotates in a horizontal plane along the medial axis of the device housing, mounted between the upper and lower half-shells 22 a, 22 b. In alternate embodiments, the orientation and location of the depth-adjust dial can vary. The depth-control mechanism further comprises a stop member which acts as a limit of travel for the drive mechanism of the lancing device. In the depicted embodiment, the dial is mounted at the distal or rearward end of the housing and rotates about an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the path of travel of the lancet along its lancing stroke. The stop member acts on a transverse protrusion or other surface of the lancet holder or on a protrusion attached to the lancet holder as the lancet holder moves through its lancing stroke, to arrest the forward motion of the lancet holder and limit the travel of the lancet thereby defining the proximal or forward extent of travel of the lancet tip in its fully extended position. By turning the dial 60, the axial position of the stop member is changed thereby adjusting the point of contact of the lancet holder with the stop member relative to the outer housing, and in this manner the depth of penetration of the lancet is adjusted.

In example embodiments, the depth dial 60 is partially shielded within the device housing to improve the safety and user comfort delivered by the device by avoiding or reducing the incidence of unintentional depth adjustment that could cause unnecessary penetration depth. The rear end of the housing optionally is radiused to generally match the profile of the dial 60 with only the outer periphery of the dial projecting beyond the rearward end of the housing. The dial 60 preferably comprises numerical or other indicia visible on a portion of the dial from external of the rear end of the housing or through an opening or cutout portion of the housing 20 proximal its rear end, indicating the depth setting to the user. The mechanism of the depth dial preferably provides a smooth transition between depth settings and a clear indication of the depth setting, for example through a cutout on the housing 20. A resilient finger or segment of the dial 60 interacts with detents or other indexing features of the housing to provide tactile feedback to the user of the depth settings, and to retain the depth-adjust mechanism in a set position. The dial 60 optionally has a scalloped, stepped, ridged or knurled edge for ease of adjustment.

The depth-control mechanism comprises a first link 70 and a second link 72. The first link 70 has a distal end pivotally coupled to an eccentric pin 62 projecting from the depth-adjust dial 60, and a proximal end pivotally connected by a hinge pin coupling to the distal end of the second link 72. The proximal end of the second link 72 comprises a contact face or stop 74 for limiting the stroke of travel of the lancet carrier 30. Rotation of the dial 60 causes translation of the two-part linkage 70, 72 in the axial direction, and thereby adjusts the linear positioning of the stop 74. A larger diameter dial 60 with a smaller eccentric offset of the pin 62 from the center or axis of rotation of the dial can be used to adjust the depth in small increments with larger rotational increments of the dial for ease of use by users with reduced manual dexterity. Optionally, the dial 60 moves through one or more indexed positional settings or through a continuous adjustment range, allowing the user to have an improved tactile feel between depth settings. Provision of one or both links 70, 72 and/or stop surface 74 formed for example of a substantially rigid but resilient material optionally acts as a vibration reducer, decreasing the transfer of energy or impact sensed by the user upon contact of the lancet carrier with the stop.

In example embodiments, the depth dial 60 rotates through a range of motion of at least about 45-90 degrees to about 270 degrees, for example about 180 degrees. An arcuate flange on the lower face of the dial 60 optionally rotates within a corresponding arcuate track or channel in the lower housing half shell 22 b, or an axle extending from the dial rotates within a corresponding sleeve, bushing or bearing of the housing. The second link 72 is optionally generally T-shaped in profile, having a transversely extending rib forming the contact face 74 at its proximal end for limiting the stroke of the lancet carrier. One or both of the links 70, 72 optionally include guidance features which engage the lancing device housing or other fixed part of the lancing device and control the motion of the two-part linkage in response to rotation of the depth dial. For example, the hinge pin connecting the links 70, 72 and/or a finger or fin projecting from the second link 72 optionally rides in a track in the lower housing shell to maintain axial alignment of the second link, preventing pivotal movement and constraining the second link to axial translation in response to rotation of the dial. Rotation of the dial selectively varies the position of the contact face 74, which defines the limit of motion of the lancet carrier 30, thereby adjusting the depth of penetration of the lancet at the lancing site.

The lancet carrier 30 or other portion of the drive mechanism includes a contact element for abutment with the contact face 74 of the stop bar to limit the travel of the lancet carrier and thereby control the penetration depth. In the depicted embodiment, the lancet carrier 30 comprises a distal extension arm with an end having a contact element with a projection or finger 32 mounted thereon. The projection or finger 32 extends downwardly to contact the upwardly directed contact face 74 of the stop bar as the lancet carrier 30 traverses the forward portion of its lancing stroke. The contact element optionally takes the form of a sleeve held on the split distal end of the lancet carrier by one or more resilient barbs to retain the return spring 42 in place on the distal extension arm of the lancet carrier.

As the dial 60 is rotated, the axial distance that the linkage 70, 72 moves is determined by how far the eccentric pin 62 is offset from the center of rotation of the dial 60 and the angle through which the dial is moved. Additionally, the distal end of the first link 70 moves transversely due to rotation of the dial to which it is coupled causing pivotal movement of the stop bar. Thus, there are two components of the movement of the first link 70: an axial translational component along the long axis of the link 70, and a transverse component perpendicular to the long axis of the link 70. In the depicted embodiment, movement along the long axis of the stop bar 70 provides the majority of the depth adjustment. Specifically, for a dial rotation of 180 degrees, the bar 70 moves an axial distance about equal to twice the radial displacement or offset of the eccentric pin 62 from the center of rotation of the dial. For 90 degree rotation of the dial, the stop bar 70 moves (along the axis of interest) a distance about equal to the radial displacement or offset of the eccentric pin 62 from the center of rotation of the dial. The movement in the direction perpendicular to the long axis of the stop bar is converted to a pivotal toggling movement of the link 70.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C show a lancing device 10′, generally as described above, and having another embodiment of a depth control mechanism comprising a “rack and pinion” type gear mechanism to vary the position of the contact face 74′ of a connector link 70′. The dial 60′ includes a toothed spur gear or pinion 62′ projecting from its center, in engagement with a rack 76 of like gear pitch. The link 70′ is constrained to translate in only the direction along its long axis, eliminating its ability to rotate. An additional embodiment not illustrated in the figures replaces the rack and pinion gear with a take up reel on the dial and a push/pull cable connected to the depth stop.

Any number of angular positions of the dial can be converted into discrete movements of the depth stop 74, 74′ through the addition of indexing detents acting on either the dial or the linkage connecting the dial to the stop. Also, while the depicted embodiments show the depth stop acting on only one side of the lancet carrier or firing mechanism, the provision of a linkage which can act on two or more sides of the lancet carrier or firing mechanism is within the scope of the invention. And while the depicted embodiments show a configuration for controlling depth by limiting the lancing stroke by contact with the back end of the lancet carrier or firing mechanism, the depth control mechanism of the present invention also includes embodiments that limit the lancing stroke by contact with any point of the lancet carrier or firing mechanism from the rear up to and including the front where the lancet is engaged.

Ejector Mechanism

FIGS. 2, 3, 5A and 5B show an example embodiment of a lancet ejection mechanism 100 for removal of a lancet 12 from the lancet carrier 30. The lancet 12 of the lancing system of the present invention is optionally a low-mass proprietary lancet. Because there is less mass being driven during the activation of the device, the lancet may be propelled in and out of the subject's skin faster and with less vibration. Although the present invention is not bound to or limited by theory, faster puncture with a lower mass lancet is believed to reduce pain levels experienced by the subject. But the low-mass lancet generally has a smaller surface area and therefore may be more difficult to handle. Because of the very small size of the lancet 12, a large endcap, and/or a collar or flange 14 having an expanded or flared transverse dimension is provided at the proximal end of the lancet body for easier manipulation and improved handling.

The limited surface area of the lancet's rear face also may not provide a sufficient contact surface for use with a rear ejection mechanism. Accordingly, the ejection mechanism of the present invention ejects a lancet by pushing on the lancet's flared collar 14 to force it out of the lancet carrier. In alternate forms, the system of the present invention comprises a lancet with a flange or other protrusion projecting outwardly from a location other than at the rear of the lancet and an ejector on the lancing device which pushes on this protrusion. Alternately, the lancet has a slot, pocket, or hole in the body and the ejector has a protrusion or other surface which engages this hole and pushes on the lancet to eject the lancet from the lancing device.

The ejection mechanism 100 comprises an ejector arm 110 slidably mounted between the lancet carrier 30 and a release button sleeve 120. The ejector arm 110 includes an ejection actuator 112 providing a user interface for the user to manually operate the mechanism, and an abutment flange 114 for contacting the flared collar 14 or other contact surface of the lancet 12 to push the lancet out of engagement with the lancet carrier 30. A notch or opening 122 in the lower face of the release button sleeve 120 engages a cooperating catch or projection 33 of the lancet carrier 30 to limit the forward movement of the lancet carrier as the lancet is ejected, and leaf springs 124 or other biasing means bias the sleeve 120 upward and into engagement with the lancet carrier unless the release button is pressed downwardly to activate the lancing device. A protrusion 116 on the ejector arm interferes with a cooperating protrusion on the housing endcap to prevent operation of the ejection mechanism unless the endcap is removed.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show an alternate ejection mechanism embodiment 200 comprising a lancet 212 having a recess 214 such as a slot, pocket, or hole in the lancet body, for example extending along a portion of the side of the lancet body. The ejector 220 has a protrusion 222 or other surface which extends through a corresponding slot 232 in the lancet carrier 230 and engages the recess 214 of the lancet 212 and pushes on the lancet to eject the lancet from the lancing device.

Guidance Mechanism

The guidance mechanism 150 of the present invention is shown in example form in FIGS. 2 and 7. While the present invention is not bound to or limited by theory, it is believed that in general, all else being equal, the smaller the side-to-side movement of the lancet needle (movement of the lancet tip transverse to the lengthwise axis of the lancet needle as it moves along the lancing stroke) during the lancing stroke and in particular as the lancet tip is penetrating the subject's skin at the lancing site, the lower the pain level experienced by the subject. Thus, the guidance mechanism of the present invention is configured to constrain the lancet to a relatively straight linear stroke or path of travel.

Minimizing the number of parts involved in the guidance mechanism advantageously reduces tolerance stacking and play between parts, making it easier to tightly control/limit the side-to-side movement of the lancet holder as it travels forward. Accordingly, the guidance mechanism 150 of the present invention consists of only a single fixed inner guidance housing 160 and a single moving member, namely the lancet carrier 30. The inner guidance member 160 generally comprises a hollow sleeve having an internal channel with a shape and dimensions configured to generally match one or more outer surfaces or profile elements of the lancet carrier 30, and thereby allow freely sliding movement of the lancet carrier along the lancing axis A, but minimize out-of-axis movement in any direction.

In example forms, the inner guidance housing 160 comprises a slot defined between a pair of spaced vertical struts 162, and the lancet carrier 30 comprises an elongate rib 35 having a profile matching the slot with a close running fit. Additionally or alternatively, the lancet carrier 30 comprises a flange having an outer profile generally matching the inner profile of the channel of the inner guidance housing 160 with a close running fit. The inner guidance housing 160 and/or one or more components affixed thereto is/are engaged within the outer housing 20 at one or more points of contact to prevent relative play therebetween. In this manner, the inner guidance housing 160 and the drive mechanism constitute a drive chassis that can be mated to different outer housing configurations.

Charging and Activation

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a sequence of operation and method of use of the lancing system according to an example form of the invention. FIG. 6A shows the inner mechanism of the lancing device 10 in a rest or neutral position. The drive spring 40 and return spring 60 are uncompressed (or relatively uncompressed) and in equilibrium. The catch 33 of the lancet carrier is engaged in the opening 122 in the lower face of the release button sleeve 120 to prevent the lancet carrier from moving substantially forward when a lancet is ejected or installed into the receiver of the lancet carrier.

FIG. 6B shows the lancing device in a charging position. The user slides the charging actuator 180 rearward, compressing the drive spring 40 between a retention flange on the lancet carrier and the guidance housing. The inclined rear face of the catch 33 of the lancet carrier 30 presses the release button 121 and release button sleeve 120 downward against the bias of leaf springs 124. As the forward catch surface of the catch 33 clears the rear edge of the release button sleeve 120, the leaf springs pop the sleeve and release button back up to retain the lancet carrier 30 in the charged or cocked position.

FIG. 6C shows the lancing device in a firing or activated position. The user places the lancet opening 26 of the endcap against the skin at the intended lancing site and presses the release button 121, which moves the release button sleeve 120 downward against the bias of the leaf springs 124, releasing the catch 33 of the lancet carrier from the release button sleeve and allows the drive spring to extend and propel the lancet carrier and lancet forward through the lancing stroke to penetrate the subject's skin at the lancing site. The return spring 42 then retracts the lancet tip to a shielded position back within the housing, returning to the rest or neutral state.

Lancet

FIG. 9 shows a lancet 12 according to an example form of the invention. The lancet includes a lancet body 202, a sharp lancet needle or blade 204 having a tip projecting from a proximal end of the lancet body, and a detachable endcap (unshown) having a distal end initially attached to the proximal end of the lancet body and having the tip of the lancet embedded therein Optionally, the lancet body 202 is configured to be proprietary or device-specific, wherein only a specified lancet design will engage within a particular lancing device type. For example, the lancet and the receiver of the lancet device can comprise correspondingly shaped cross-sectional profiles configured to provide a frictional engagement therebetween. In the depicted embodiment, the cross-sectional profiles are generally elliptical as seen best in FIGS. 7 and 9, but in alternate embodiments can comprise triangular, polygonal, or other regular or irregular profiles. Alternatively the lancet body may be of standard or universal format.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lancing system comprising a lancet and a lancing device for receiving and discharging said lancet; said lancet comprising a lancet body having a proximal end and a distal end, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from the proximal end of the lancet body, and a flared flange projecting transversely beyond an outermost periphery of the lancet body; said lancing device comprising a lancet carrier for engagement with the lancet body, and wherein the flared flange is laterally offset from the lancet carrier; and an ejection mechanism for removal of the lancet from the lancet carrier, the ejection mechanism comprising an actuating portion and an abutment member operating externally of the lancet carrier, wherein the abutment member is axially movable along an exterior portion of the lancet carrier for contacting the flared flange of said lancet.
 2. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the lancing device comprises a housing and an endcap, and wherein the ejection mechanism comprises means for preventing actuation unless the endcap is removed from the housing.
 3. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the lancet carrier provides for releasable engagement with the lancet.
 4. The lancing device of claim 3, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises means for limiting movement of the lancet carrier as the lancet is ejected.
 5. The lancing device of claim 4, wherein a protrusion on an ejector arm of the ejection mechanism interferes with a cooperating protrusion on a housing endcap to prevent operation of the ejection mechanism unless the housing endcap is removed.
 6. The lancing device of claim 3, wherein the lancet carrier comprises a receiver for releasably engaging the lancet body, the receiver having a size and shape configured to frictionally engage the lancet body.
 7. The lancing device of claim 6, wherein the receiver and the lancet body have a generally elliptical cross-sectional profile.
 8. A lancet comprising a lancet body having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end for releasable engagement within a lancet carrier, a sharp lancing tip projecting axially from the proximal end of the lancet body, and a flared flange projecting transversely beyond an outermost periphery of the lancet body, wherein the flange is laterally offset from the lancet carrier when the distal end of the lancet is engaged with the lancet carrier for cooperative engagement with an abutment member of an ejection mechanism for ejection of the lancet from the lancet carrier, the ejection mechanism operating externally of the lancet carrier whereby the abutment member is configured for axial movement along an exterior portion of the lancet carrier into contact with the flange of the lancet to eject the lancet from the lancet carrier.
 9. The lancet of claim 8, wherein the flared flange projects transversely from the lancet body about substantially the entire outer periphery of the lancet body.
 10. The lancet of claim 8, wherein the flared flange projects transversely from the lancet body between the proximal end of the lancet body and a distal end of the lancet body.
 11. The lancet of claim 8, wherein the lancet body has a generally elliptical cross-sectional profile.
 12. A lancing device for receiving and discharging a lancet, the lancet having a flange projecting transversely beyond an outermost periphery of a body portion thereof, said lancing device comprising: a lancet carrier defining an internal receiver for engagement with the body portion of the lancet, and an exterior portion surrounding at least a portion of the internal receiver; and an ejection mechanism comprising an abutment member operable externally of the lancet carrier and being axially movable along the exterior portion of the lancet carrier for contacting the flange of the lancet upon actuation when the lancet is engaged in the receiver of the lancet carrier and ejecting the lancet from the lancet carrier. 